The Florence Institute Trust has unveiled plans to develop housing and create new jobs for the Toxteth community through a new project.
The Florrie is hoping to create a Community Land Trust (CLT) which will aim to develop affordable housing and kick start the local economy with new jobs, training and business opportunities.
They are inviting local residents to be part of the regeneration plans for new homes, retail units and community green spaces, on Mill Street in Toxteth, by becoming CLT members.
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Anne Lundon, CEO at The Florrie said: “We are currently in discussions with Liverpool City Council over the transfer of land to help breathe new life into Mill Street, with local people leading and shaping the process and managing the homes through a newly formed Community Land Trust.
“We know this can be done successfully as we have seen within our neighbouring communities across Liverpool (such as Granby Four Streets and Homebaked) and I would urge anyone who wants to be involved in any capacity to become a CLT member.”
Typically a CLT provides affordable homes, community gardens, civic buildings, shops, shared workspaces and more. They are democratic, non profit organisations that own and develop land for community benefit.
A CLT is run by ordinary people who want to make a difference, putting control of assets into their hands, and can be set up by the community, a landowner, developer or the council.
They protect community assets to ensure that their homes are permanently and genuinely affordable to the benefit of the local community, not just for now but for every future occupier.
There will be plenty of opportunities to find out information about joining the Florrie’s CLT and getting involved in the design and planning.
Those who wish to be involved in this process should attend one of their Inspire Me sessions facilitated by Breaking Ground. These will be held Tuesday November 9 at 2pm and 6pm at the Florrie.
Councillor for Riverside Sarah Doyle said: “Currently at Liverpool City Council we are working on ways in which we can support more community led housing schemes and community land trusts in the city. I have been working with Paul Kelly from Breaking Ground to understand how we do this.
“As Cabinet Member for Strategic Development and Housing I have made a commitment to increasing community led housing and community land trusts in the city.
“It’s a key route to local communities having more of a say over how local land is developed and how these developments benefit local people.
“Through well-thought policy developments, we will ensure our aspirations for community led housing and CLT’s is in line with our commitment to Best Value and community decision making.”
